The Toronto Raptors have been no strangers to bold moves in recent years, and with the trade deadline looming, their name is once again surfacing in connection with some of the league’s biggest stars. From Anthony Davis to Domantas Sabonis, and even Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Raptors have been linked to a handful of marquee names. But one name continues to pop up more than the rest: Ja Morant.
Now, let’s be clear - the NBA trade landscape is anything but predictable. Even with reports suggesting the Raptors are leaning toward a more measured approach as the deadline approaches, things can change in a heartbeat. If Toronto’s front office believes this roster is a piece or two away from contention, a blockbuster move for a star like Morant could be tempting.
But here’s the thing: of all the big names being floated, a trade for Ja Morant may be the riskiest swing the Raptors could take - and not in a good way.
Morant’s Game Isn’t Aging Gracefully
Ja Morant’s talent is undeniable. At 23, he was already a two-time All-Star and one of the most electrifying young players in the league.
His game was built on speed, explosiveness, and a fearless ability to attack the rim. Watching him in 2022 and 2023 was like watching a human highlight reel - the kind of player who could take over a game with sheer athleticism.
But that style of play comes with a price.
Morant’s three-point shooting has never been a strength - he’s a career 31.0% shooter from deep - which means his effectiveness has always hinged on his ability to get into the paint. That’s a tough way to live in the NBA, especially as injuries start to pile up and the athletic edge begins to dull.
And for Morant, that decline is already showing.
Since his first All-Star appearance in 2022, he hasn’t played more than 61 games in a season. Injuries - likely a byproduct of his aggressive, high-flying style - have become a consistent issue.
He hasn’t logged seven straight games since 2023. That’s not just bad luck; it’s a troubling trend.
The numbers back it up. In 2022, 62% of Morant’s shots came from inside 10 feet.
That number has steadily dropped each year - 58.4% in 2023, 54.2% last season, and now a career-low 49.0% this year. That’s a clear sign that he’s not getting to the rim with the same frequency or success.
And if he can’t beat defenders with his first step like he used to - and he’s not a reliable shooter - what exactly are you trading for?
The Bigger Picture: Culture and Chemistry
There’s also the off-court element, and it’s not something that can be brushed aside.
Morant has faced multiple suspensions due to off-court incidents. There have been public controversies, reported locker room tension, and issues involving people in his inner circle. These aren’t isolated incidents - they’ve become part of the narrative surrounding him.
For a team like the Raptors, that matters. Toronto has spent years cultivating a culture rooted in professionalism, team-first mentality, and accountability.
It’s part of what’s made the franchise successful, even during transitional periods. Bringing in a player who could potentially disrupt that culture - especially one whose on-court production is no longer a sure thing - is a gamble that could backfire in a big way.
Fans have connected with this current Raptors group because of their grit, chemistry, and the way they’ve embraced the city. That kind of identity doesn’t come easy, and it can be fragile.
Risking it all for a player with as many question marks as Morant? That’s a tough sell.
What’s the Move?
This isn’t about writing off Ja Morant’s career. He’s still young, and there’s always the chance he rediscovers some of that explosiveness or evolves his game. But for the Raptors, the fit just doesn’t make sense - not right now.
There are other stars out there who might be better suited to Toronto’s timeline and culture. Players who bring upside without the same level of risk, both physically and in terms of locker room impact. If the Raptors are going to make a splash, it needs to be one that complements what they’ve built - not one that threatens to unravel it.
So yes, the Raptors should be active at the deadline. But Ja Morant? That’s a move that feels more like a step backward than a leap forward.